Convoy
/ˈkɒnvɔɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsA group of vehicles or ships traveling together, especially for protection or escort.
/ˈkɒnvɔɪ/
A group of vehicles or ships traveling together, typically for protection.
The military convoy transported supplies to the front lines.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bunch of school buses all driving together on a field trip. That's kind of like a convoy, but it could be ships, trucks, or anything that needs to travel together for safety.
👶 For kids: A convoy is a group of cars, trucks, or boats that travel together to stay safe.
More Examples
The convoy of ships was attacked by pirates.
A convoy of ambulances rushed to the scene of the accident.
How It's Used
"The convoy of tanks moved slowly across the desert."
"The merchant ships sailed in a convoy to protect them from enemy submarines."
To escort or accompany for protection, especially for a group of vehicles or ships.
/kənˈvɔɪ/
To escort for protection.
The navy convoyed the merchant ships through the dangerous waters.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're the leader of a group of friends going on a hike. You're making sure everyone stays safe and doesn't get lost. Convoying means doing the same thing, but with vehicles or ships, making sure they are safe and go where they need to.
👶 For kids: To convoy is to go with a group of vehicles to keep them safe.
More Examples
Special forces were assigned to convoy the VIP's motorcade.
The armored vehicles were deployed to convoy the aid trucks.
How It's Used
"The warships convoyed the supply ships across the ocean."
"Security forces were assigned to convoy the valuable cargo."
Idioms & expressions
convoy duty
The task or responsibility of protecting a group of vehicles or ships.
"The soldiers were assigned to convoy duty for the next month."
From French *convoi*, from the Old French *convoi* (meaning 'escort, transport'), from *convoier* ('to escort'), from Latin *com-*, meaning 'with, together', + *via*, meaning 'road, way'.
The word 'convoy' gained prominence during naval warfare in the Age of Sail and became crucial during the World Wars to protect supply lines.
Memory tip
Think of a line of cars or ships traveling together for safety, like a group of friends going on a road trip.
Word Origin
"escort, transport"